Another fire in Joburg: Jeppestown blaze erupts in basement shacks, 12 homes destroyed

Another fire has erupted in Johannesburg, prompting an emergency response to a building blaze in Jeppestown on Wednesday morning.

This comes just days after a devastating house fire in Mayfair claimed the lives of four toddlers, once again raising concerns about fire safety in vulnerable communities.

Fire started in basement where shacks were built

According to a statement from Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS), firefighters arrived on the scene at the corner of Janie and Jules Street in Jeppestown at 9.50 am and found a two-storey building engulfed in flames.

“The fire started in the basement of the building where shacks were erected,” said EMS spokesperson Xolile Khumalo.

“Firefighters managed to evacuate all occupants of the building to safety,” she said.

Although the fire has since been completely extinguished, EMS confirmed that 12 informal structures were destroyed in the incident.

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Call for caution amid cold front

Johannesburg is experiencing a significant drop in temperatures this week as a cold front moves through the region.

As temperatures continue to drop in Gauteng, EMS is urging residents to practise fire safety when using heating devices and electrical appliances.

“EMS implores the residents of Johannesburg to be extra cautious when using electrical appliances during the cold front,” said Khumalo.

Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported.

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Mayfair fire tragedy

Wednesday’s incident comes in the wake of a fatal fire in Mayfair on Monday, which left four children under the age of two years dead.

According to the EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi, the firefighters found the house on fire, and they started firefighting operations.

“While conducting a search and rescue operation, four bodies of young kids ranging from two years and below were recovered. Unfortunately, they were confirmed dead on the scene by Gauteng EMS paramedics,” Mulaudzi said.

“It appears they might have suffered smoke inhalation during this fire incident.”

According to the EMS, the cause of the fire is believed to be a heating device that was in use before the blaze started.

The city’s fire investigation team is on site conducting a preliminary investigation.

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